Posteromedial Accessory Incision for Posterior Capsular Release and Retractor Placement in a Total Ankle Replacement

The standard approach for performing a total ankle replacement (TAR) is the anterior approach as this offers good direct visualization of the tibiotalar joint. Irrespective of implant system used, most commonly, bone cuts are made in the anterior to posterior direction and may potentially injure the posterior neurovascular structures and tendons running close to the ankle joint. Careful consideration must be taken to ensure these structures are protected. We introduce a new intraoperative technique of protection for the posteromedial soft tissues and neurovascular structures and include the early results of 60 consecutive patients where the described technique was employed. There were no technique-related complications, or evidence of injury to the PTT, FHL, flexor digitorum longus (FDL), or neurovascular bundles.